NCJ Number
244590
Date Published
2013
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper examines effective solutions for assisting youth with mental health needs who are involved with the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
This report was prepared by the Mental Health and Juvenile Justice Collaborative for Change to examine better and more effective solutions for assisting youth with mental health needs who are involved with the juvenile justice system. Recent research has shown that 65-70 percent of youth involved with the juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental health disorder, and that almost 30 percent of these youth have disorders that are serious enough to require immediate and significant treatment. As is of the case however, these youth are often unnecessarily placed in or referred to the juvenile justice system for minor, non-violent offenses. This report discusses significant advances in research, program, and resource development that can be used by officials to more effectively respond to the needs of justice-involved youth with mental health problems. Information is also provided on how communities can adopt solutions that will help these youth. A discussion of the reforms being implemented in Louisiana and Connecticut is included in the report. The last section of the paper provides information on the Models for Change Resource Center Partnership. References